C&C with First Time Studio shots

[robd54]

Here's a few shots I took this weekend in my new basement studio. My daughter just turned one and instead of going somewhere I invested in a 2 monolight kit. Other than some test shots, this was the first time i've used flashes other than my 580ex. I basically followed Zack Arais' blog for white seamless paper. Appreciate any feedback!

1.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1344_s.jpg
2.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1398_s.jpg
3.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1409_s.jpg
4.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1411_s.jpg
5. I know there's a bad shadow on the right of the image...
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1466_s.jpg
6.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1473_s.jpg
7.
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1480_s.jpg
8. another rough shadow on the right....
http://www.robcindy.com/forumPics/IMG_1507_s.jpg

[bobbyz]

First one is the best as in others the subject and floor is under-exposed. Do what you did for first one in the other shots. If she is sitting down, move your lights lower.

[BeckyMax]

I agree about moving the lights lower on most of them, there is no catch light in her eyes and they are dark. She's such a cutie, and your first shot shows off her eyes much better. Still, for a first time high key, I think you did quite well. Did I mention what a doll your daughter is??!

[robd54]

First one is the best as in others the subject and floor is under-exposed. Do what you did for first one in the other shots. If she is sitting down, move your lights lower.

Thanks, the first one required alot of dodging to get the floor that way, i strugged with that same approach of PP with the others that had props on the floor and more difficult shadows. I need to figure out how to keep the floor a little over exposed while keeping the subject exposed properly i guess?

[bobbyz]

Are you using tile board on the floor? You can also add additional light for the floor.

[dengar]

Great first effort. I wish I had the space to set up something like that.

[suecassidy]

You were smart to choose a cake with white icing. For folks doing that shot on a white background, remember that colored icing is full of dye and it will stain your white backdrops!!!!!
A piece of white foam core angled on the ground just in front of the baby and out of camera range would have kicked up the extra light you might have wanted into the baby's eyes. I've used a plexi mirror panel to do this when photographing dark eyes or animals with dark fur, but it does provide a more specular light than the white foam core. Give it a try!

Great job!

[robd54]

You were smart to choose a cake with white icing. For folks doing that shot on a white background, remember that colored icing is full of dye and it will stain your white backdrops!!!!!
A piece of white foam core angled on the ground just in front of the baby and out of camera range would have kicked up the extra light you might have wanted into the baby's eyes. I've used a plexi mirror panel to do this when photographing dark eyes or animals with dark fur, but it does provide a more specular light than the white foam core. Give it a try!

Great job!

That's a good idea, i didn't think about putting a reflector or something in front to put more light up like that..will have to play around more with that next time. Thanks!

[partmont]

she was good when u put her in place the first shot once she started to walk she walked out ur light

[randy98mtu]

Very nice! I like the simple balloons for props. My daughter just turned one and we have another due in July. After a less-than-inspiring and overly long visit to a chain portrait studio for her 1 year shots, I've been looking at lights and such so I can do a temporary studio myself.

What kit did you buy? I've been looking at some on B&H as well as Calumet. I've been trying to read the studio lighting forum, but it's overwhelming. I figure if I take the plunge on an affordable 2 light kit I can start playing and get an idea of what this studio business is all about.